Vaginal tumors are neoplasms (tumors) found in the vagina. They can be benign or malignant. [1] [a] A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of tissue that usually forms a tissue mass. [2] [3] [4] Vaginal neoplasms may be solid, cystic or of mixed type. [5]
Vaginal cancers arise from vaginal tissue, with vaginal sarcomas develop from bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive tissue. [6] [7] Tumors in the vagina may also be metastases (malignant tissue that has spread to the vagina from other parts of the body). [8] [7] Cancer that has spread from the colon, bladder, and stomach is far more common than cancer that originates in the vagina itself. [9] Some benign tumors may later progress to become malignant tumors, such as vaginal cancers. [10] [11] Some neoplastic growths of the vagina are sufficiently rare as to be only described in case studies. [3]
Signs and symptoms may include a feeling of pressure, painful intercourse or bleeding. [12] Most vaginal tumors are located during a pelvic exam. Ultrasonography, CT and MRI imaging is used to establish the location and presence or absence of fluid in a tumor. [13] [14] Biopsy provides a more definitive diagnosis. [15]
Vaginal tumors also can be found in domesticated animals: